Ashton Jeanty and the 2025 Rookie Running Backs: Can Size Be a Strength?

Rookie RB Landscape: Jeanty Leads the charge, But Don’t Sleep on These Names

Fantasy football draft season is here, and the rookie running back class is generating significant buzz. While several prospects warrant attention, one name consistently rises to the top: Jonathon Jeanty.

Jeanty appears to have landed in an ideal situation. He’s walking into a Green Bay Packers offense primed for advancement, backed by a coaching staff demonstrably committed to establishing the run, and possesses the draft capital (a top-12 pick) to warrant immediate opportunity. This confluence of factors positions Jeanty as a potential league-winner, capable of significant production as the season progresses. He’s not a high-risk, boom-or-bust prospect; he’s a solid build with a high floor and significant upside.

However, Jeanty isn’t the onyl rookie back worth monitoring. Here’s a look at other first-year runners generating excitement during training camp:

Omarion Hampton, los Angeles chargers: Drafted alongside Jeanty as a first-round pick, Hampton finds himself in a perhaps lucrative situation. The Chargers’ backfield is currently in flux,with JK Dobbins now in Denver and Najee Harris sidelined with an eye injury. this creates a clear path for Hampton to compete for significant carries behind a strong offensive line featuring Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. With receiving threats like Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen commanding attention,hampton’s opportunity to contribute is substantial.

RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos: Despite currently being listed low on the depth chart, Harvey is reportedly seeing significant work as the No.2 back in practice. This suggests a clear plan from head coach Sean Payton. Harvey’s college tape at UCF showcased explosive playmaking ability – he led the FBS in rushes gaining double-digit yards. That kind of big-play potential makes him a compelling late-round flier or waiver wire target.

Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers: While Jaylen Warren is projected as the starter and Kenneth Gainwell the primary backup, Johnson is poised to challenge the Steelers’ depth chart with a strong preseason. The Iowa product boasts a powerful running style and a nose for the endzone, having rushed for over 1,500 yards and 23 touchdowns in his final college season. Early praise from coach Mike Tomlin regarding his conditioning and engagement further strengthens his case.

TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots: henderson is turning heads in Foxborough with his receiving skills. Reports indicate he’s been a consistent target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, including multiple long touchdown receptions.coupled with ongoing fumble concerns surrounding veteran Rhamondre Stevenson, Henderson could quickly earn a role in the Patriots’ offense, particularly on third downs, and potentially expand his responsibilities as the season unfolds.

How does ashton Jeanty’s skillset compare to historically prosperous smaller running backs like darren Sproles and Ray rice?

The Shifting Landscape of NFL Running Backs

The NFL running back position is evolving. While power and bruising were once paramount, agility, receiving ability, and elusiveness are increasingly valued. This shift impacts how we evaluate the 2025 rookie class,notably players like Ashton Jeanty,who don’t necessarily fit the traditional mold of a bell-cow back. The question isn’t just can smaller backs succeed, but how can they leverage their strengths to overcome perceived size limitations? This article dives deep into Jeanty’s profile and the broader trends impacting rookie running back evaluations. We’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of different body types, and analyze how modern offenses are utilizing running backs.

Ashton Jeanty: A Profile in Dynamic Running

Ashton Jeanty, coming out of Boise State, has generated meaningful buzz. He’s known for his remarkable contact balance, vision, and ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. However,his listed weight consistently falls below the 210-pound mark favored by many NFL teams.

Here’s a breakdown of Jeanty’s key attributes:

Strengths: Exceptional agility,elite vision,impressive contact balance,reliable hands as a receiver,speedy decision-making.

Areas for Enhancement: Adding muscle mass for pass protection, durability concerns given his frame, ability to consistently break tackles against larger defenders.

comparable Players: Darren Sproles, Ray Rice – backs who thrived despite not being physically imposing.

Jeanty’s game is built on making something out of nothing. He consistently turns potential losses into positive gains, and his receiving skills make him a valuable asset on third downs. But will that translate to consistent success at the NFL level?

The Size Debate: Beyond the weight Room

For years, NFL scouts prioritized size at the running back position. The logic was simple: bigger backs could withstand more punishment, break more tackles, and contribute more in pass protection. Though, the league has seen a surge in successful, smaller backs in recent years.

Consider these points:

The Evolution of Offensive Schemes: Modern offenses emphasize zone blocking schemes, which prioritize quickness and agility over brute strength. These schemes create running lanes that allow smaller backs to thrive.

Pass-Catching Importance: Running backs are increasingly involved in the passing game. Jeanty’s receiving ability is a significant asset in this regard, potentially outweighing a lack of size.

Durability Concerns – A Nuance: While smaller backs can be more susceptible to injury, proper conditioning, technique, and a smart running style can mitigate these risks.

2025 Rookie RB Class: A Spectrum of Sizes

jeanty isn’t alone in challenging the traditional size paradigm. The 2025 rookie class features a diverse range of running back builds.

here’s a quick look at some other notable prospects and their size profiles:

Marcus Williams (Texas A&M): 225 lbs – A power back with the ability to run through defenders.

Jamal Carter (Ohio State): 218 lbs – A balanced back with good speed and power.

David Ellis (Georgia): 205 lbs – A shifty, elusive runner similar in style to Jeanty.

Kevin Blake (USC): 230 lbs – A bruising back built for short-yardage situations.

This variety highlights the changing priorities of NFL teams. They’re no longer solely focused on finding the biggest, strongest backs. They’re looking for players who can contribute in multiple ways and fit specific offensive schemes.

Pass Protection: The Biggest Hurdle for Smaller Backs

The most significant challenge for smaller running backs is pass protection. NFL defenses are increasingly complex in their blitz packages, and a running back who can’t reliably block a pass rusher is a liability.

Here’s how teams are addressing this issue:

1. Targeted Training: Focusing on technique and leverage to maximize blocking effectiveness.
2. Utilizing Fullback support: Employing a fullback to provide extra protection on passing downs.
3. Quick Passing Schemes: Implementing quick-passing offenses that limit the time defenders have to pressure the quarterback.
4. Motion and Chip blocks: Utilizing pre-snap motion and chip blocks from receivers to assist the running back in pass protection.

Jeanty will need to demonstrate significant improvement in this area to secure a consistent role on passing downs. His ability to learn and adapt will be crucial.

Case Study: Austin Ekeler – A Success Story

Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers is a prime example of a smaller running back thriving in the modern NFL. Undrafted in 2017, Ekeler weighed in at just 200 pounds. He quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker, excelling as both a